George Bassett Turpin

1925 - 2016

January 6, 1925 - March 11, 2016 George Bassett Turpin was born in Boston, Massachusetts January 6, 1925 to Charles and Senath Turpin. He had an older sister, Senath, younger brother Peterfield, and an identical twin Charles. He attended Choate School, and Williams College where he was a member of St. Anthony. He served in the Army Air Forces in the latter part of World War II. On a blind date, in 1951, under the Biltmore clock in NYC, he met a gal who would be his wife for 64 years, Polly Hunter. He shortly moved west to Southern California to court and marry her. In California he began his lifelong career in the fledgling industry of then live television that later became known as the golden age of television. For the next forty years George worked in production and directing. He worked on countless award winning programs including Playhouse 90, The Danny Kaye Show, The Patty Duke Show, The Doris Day Show, All In The Family, and for public television on Hollywood Television Theater. During these years George and Polly lived in San Marino, Ca., where they raised three children, their greatest loves, Paul, Gebb and Brier. The family built a cabin in Mammoth Mountain where George encouraged them all in a love for the mountains, skiing, and fishing. They always lived near the sea, and boating and snorkeling were also lifelong family passions. Together they had many journeys to the Channel Islands off the coast of Santa Barbara on their boat, The Peregrino. George was an avid photographer, and the Turpins travelled the world on photographic safaris, wonderful trips to Africa, Fiji, Galapagos Islands, Costa Rica, Jamaica, and more. On one African adventure George's face off with a rogue bull elephant, zoom lens in hand, earned him the nickname Jungle George. George instilled in his young family a love for adventure, wildlife, reading, conservation and an intellectual curiosity about the world around them. He was a magic fan, and was one of the earliest members of the famed Magic Castle in Hollywood. George also loved music, bird and skeet shooting, and excelled at sports of all kinds. Though he admitted to a love/hate relationship with golf, he was a good sport about it and did his best to humor Polly. George served on several boards including Pasadena Beautiful and in Santa Barbara, The Music Academy of the West for many years. He was a member of The Valley Club of Montecito. After George's retirement, thirty years ago, the now extended Turpin family all live in Santa Barbara, spending lots of time together. George and Polly have four grandchildren, the new loves of their lives, Hunter, Travis, Ellery and Cooper, who share the adventurous spirit of their grandparents. George will be remembered by all who love him as a true gentleman with a wit and great intellect and playful sense of humor. He could be a good listener, but also had strong opinions and wasn't afraid to share them. His children and grandchildren loved him so much! Polly was the love of his life, and took great care of him. George enjoyed a long, rich, life well lived, and well loved. George Turpin leaves his wife Polly, and two children Brier Allebrand and Gebb Turpin, his daughter-in-law Evan Turpin, son-in-law Kent Allebrand, four grandchildren, Hunter Turpin, Travis Turpin, Ellery Allebrand and Cooper Allebrand, and his brother Peterfield. He also leaves many adoring nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his eldest son, Paul Turpin. The Turpin family thanks the exceptional caregivers Carmelo Carranza, Pavell Herrara, Francisco Mendez and Juan Garcia for their many years of loving care. At George's request there will be a private family service. Donations in George's name may be sent to The Music Academy of the West and The Santa Barbara Natural History Museum.